This tropical plant contains citronella oil (similar to the citronella plant) but in higher concentrations, making it an excellent mosquito repellent. Its fresh, lemony scent is pleasant to humans but confusing to many insects that rely on scent to locate hosts or food sources.
Best repels: Mosquitoes and some flies Growing tip: Needs full sun and well-draining soil. In cooler climates, plant in containers that can be brought indoors during winter.
Rosemary: The Aromatic Herb That Bugs Hate
This woody herb with needle-like leaves offers more than just flavor for your roasted potatoes. Its strong pine-like scent deters many insects, particularly those that might attack vegetable gardens. Bonus: rosemary can be dried and burned in outdoor settings to create insect-repelling smoke.
Best repels: Mosquitoes, cabbage moths, carrot flies Growing tip: Prefers well-draining soil and requires little water once established. Full sun is ideal.
Catnip: The Feline Favorite That Repels Mosquitoes
While cats may be attracted to catnip, mosquitoes have the opposite reaction. Research has shown that catnip can be even more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes, making it one of the most powerful natural insect deterrents available.
Best repels: Mosquitoes, cockroaches, and termites Growing tip: Easy to grow in well-draining soil with moderate watering. Be aware that it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions.
Peppermint: The Refreshing Pest Repellent
The strong menthol fragrance that makes peppermint tea so refreshing also acts as a powerful insect repellent. Peppermint oil is particularly potent, but even the living plant helps deter pests from your home and garden.
Best repels: Mosquitoes, spiders, ants, and even rodents Growing tip: Plant in partial shade and keep soil consistently moist. Consider growing in containers as mint can spread rapidly.
Marigold: The Colorful Garden Protector
These bright blooms do double duty in your garden: adding cheerful color while secreting a compound that repels multiple insects. Farmers and gardeners have used marigolds as companion plants for centuries to protect valuable crops.
Best repels: Mosquitoes, aphids, whiteflies, and many soil nematodes Growing tip: Plant in full sun with well-draining soil. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
Mint: The Versatile Pest Deterrent
Like its relative peppermint, other mint varieties (spearmint, apple mint, etc.) contain aromatic compounds that confuse and repel many common pests. Having mint growing near your home’s entry points can reduce the number of insects that make it indoors.
Best repels: Ants, mosquitoes, and flies Growing tip: Can thrive in partial shade and needs regular watering. Always plant in containers to prevent it from taking over your garden.
Lavender: The Fragrant Insect Fighter
This beloved herb with its distinctive purple flowers and calming scent for humans has the opposite effect on many insects. Lavender contains compounds that repel moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes, making it a beautiful addition to any pest management strategy.
Best repels: Moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes Growing tip: Prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering as lavender is drought-tolerant once established.
Creating Your Bug-Repelling Garden
For maximum effectiveness, consider these strategies:
- Layer your defenses: Plant taller insect-repelling plants like citronella and lemongrass at the perimeter of outdoor living spaces, with shorter plants like mint and marigolds closer to seating areas.
- Strategic placement: Focus on areas where insects typically enter your home or outdoor living spaces—near doors, windows, and gathering areas.
- Container gardening: Many of these plants grow well in containers, allowing you to move them where needed and control spreading varieties like mint.
- Activate the scent: Gently brush against or rub the leaves of these plants periodically to release their essential oils and maximize their repellent properties.
By incorporating these natural pest-fighters into your landscape, you can create a more pleasant, less buggy environment while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. Not only will you keep unwanted insects at bay, but you’ll also enjoy the culinary benefits, beautiful blooms, and wonderful fragrances these plants provide.
